How to Get Your Boating License in Ontario
If you're curious about how to get your boating license in Ontario or whether you even need one, we're here to help!
Before heading out on the water, it's crucial to understand and comply with local laws and regulations. Those rules can include everything from registering your vessel to carrying the required number of personal flotation devices on board. Still, they also involve ensuring you're legally allowed to operate your boat.
Here's what you should know about getting your Ontario license (because yes, you do need one).
What Is the Ontario Boating License?
In Canada, the boating "license" is called the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). When you carry this card, it demonstrates that you've acquired the knowledge to safely and legally operate a motorized vessel on Canadian waters.
Please note that this card is only for recreational boaters. If you're operating any commercial vessel, you'll need a different type of license.
While this card is required in Ontario, it's not exclusive to the province. The PCOC is required throughout Canada for anyone who's operating a watercraft with a motor, including jet skis. So, if you live in Ontario and obtain your PCOC there, you can use it throughout Canadian waters, including when traveling to other provinces and boating in those areas.
Why the PCOC Matters
The PCOC is crucial in helping reduce boating accidents. It ensures that all boaters understand emergency procedures, navigational rules, and safety equipment, allowing everyone to have a safer and more enjoyable experience. You'll be protecting yourself, your boat, your passengers, and the people around you by boating responsibly and legally.
Having the PCOC also promotes respect for others who use the waterways and encourages anyone who's out on the water to take good care of the environment. When you carry your PCOC, you show you're a responsible boater who cares about the safety of those around you. It's essential to follow proper boating safety rules, leave no trace of your water activities, and make sure you know what to do if something goes wrong on the water.
Knowing how to get your boating license in Ontario is the first step toward having a great experience on the water and enjoying your boat for years to come.
Who Needs a PCOC?
If you operate a motorized boat in Ontario (or anywhere across Canada), you need a PCOC.
The size of your boat's engine doesn't matter, and smaller engines aren't exempt. Even if you only have a trolling motor, you'll still be required to hold a PCOC as the boat's operator. This applies to both residents and visitors.
Youth under the age of 16 also need an Ontario boating license (or PCOC). However, youth boat operators must follow age-specific restrictions.
The good news is that obtaining a license isn't difficult, and you can get started right away. Then, you'll be ready to enjoy the waterways legally.
How to Get Your Boating License in Ontario
Knowing how to get a boating license in Ontario is fairly straightforward.
- First, select a Transport Canada-accredited course provider. There are many boating courses available online, including ours here at Boat-Ed.
- Then, complete the boating safety course. This can be done in a matter of hours, but you can take your time and return to it if needed.
- After you take the course, you'll need to pass the official Transport Canada exam. This assessment consists of 50 multiple-choice questions, and you must answer at least 75% correctly to pass.
Upon passing the test, you'll receive your temporary card immediately. Your official PCOC will come in the mail in a few days.
What Are the Penalties and Risks for Boating Without a PCOC?
It's essential to take getting your Ontario boat license seriously.
If you're boating without a PCOC and enforcement officers ask you for it, you can be fined $250 plus surcharges. Additionally, boating without a PCOC could mean that your boat insurance is void if you are involved in an accident.
Always carry your card with you when you're on the water, so you don't risk fines and penalties for not having it with you. Repeat offenses or accidents while unlicensed can lead to serious legal consequences.
Fortunately, you can avoid all that risk and trouble by getting your PCOC and making sure you always have it with you while boating.
Once you have it, you never have to worry about renewing it. Your card is valid for life! This one-time investment in your legal protection and safety is well worth the time it takes to obtain your license.
Let Boat-Ed Help You Get Your Ontario Boating License (PCOC)
Whether you're boating on rivers around the province, Lake Ontario, or other waterways, knowing how to get a boating license in Ontario is the first step toward a safe, legal, and enjoyable boating adventure.
Boat-Ed is here to help! Our online interactive course for Canadians is approved by Transport Canada and is a fun, fast way to get your PCOC. You'll learn all the basics for a better boating experience and to help keep yourself and others safe on the water.
Take our course for Canadians, then boat safely and legally every season!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
You have questions about the Ontario boating license. We have answers!
1. What is a boating license in Ontario?
In Ontario, a "boating license" is actually the Pleasure Craft Operator Card (PCOC). This card proves that you have successfully completed a Transport Canada-approved boating safety course and understand the responsibilities and basic rules of operating a recreational boat.
2. Who needs a boating license (PCOC) in Ontario?
Anyone operating a motorized boat (even electric motors or small fishing boats) in Ontario must carry a valid PCOC, regardless of age, experience, or boat size. This rule applies whether you own the boat or are borrowing or renting it.
3. How do I get a boating license in Ontario?
To get your PCOC, take an approved online course from a Transport Canada-certified provider (like Boat-Ed). Then, pass the final exam. You'll receive a temporary card you can print and use right away. Your permanent card will arrive in the mail within a few weeks.
4. Why do I need a boating license?
The PCOC helps ensure that boaters understand key safety principles such as boating laws and regulations, navigational rules and right-of-way, safe fueling and docking procedures, and how to respond in emergencies
Boaters are also legally required to carry a PCOC when operating a motorized vessel. Boating without it can result in fines of up to $250.
5. Does the boating license expire or need renewal?
No! Your Pleasure Craft Operator Card does not expire and does not need to be renewed. Once you have it, it’s good for life across all provinces and territories in Canada.
Take the Boat-Ed course for Canadians, then hit the water safely!
